Pillar 02 · Podcast
The Catalyst for the Trades Podcast
74 conversations with the operators shaping the next decade of the trades — growth, AI, acquisitions, and leadership.
Hosted by Jennifer Bagley , with co-host Jazmin Ramirez .
Episode 74
The 6 Tools Every Trades Business Needs in 2026
With Charlie Vecchio
What if the technology running your business was built by someone who’s spent 40 years in the trades — not a boardroom? In this episode of Catalyst for the T…
Listen now →
Episode 73
From ChatGPT to AI Agents: Building Real Systems for Home Service Operations
With Matthew Palmieri
What happens when AI moves beyond prompts and starts becoming part of how you actually run the business? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits…
Listen now →
Episode 72
The Voice of Your Business: Tonality, Trust, and AI-Powered Growth
With Erica Leonor
Your words matter, but how you deliver them matters even more. In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Erica Leonor of Voxa to talk ab…
Listen now →
Episode 71
Building a Business That Can Grow Without You
With David Hori
Building a stronger business is not only about increasing revenue. It is about reducing owner dependence, strengthening systems, developing the right team, and creating …
Listen now →
Episode 70
AI for Contractors: Building Better Technology for the Trades
With Paul Wiese & Charlie Vecchio
AI is changing what contractors can automate, measure, and improve across their businesses. But there is a major difference between an AI prototype and technology that i…
Listen now →
Episode 69
Your Personal Brand Is Becoming Your Biggest Business Asset
With Casey Eberhart
The rules of marketing have changed. Your website, your team, and your personal brand are no longer separate—they're all connected. In this episode of Catalyst for the T…
Listen now →Episode 68
The Free AI Prompt That Builds Your Brand Strategy
With Stephanie Allen, Michael Parker, Krista Glasser
Stephanie Allen, Jennifer Bagley, Michael Parker, and Krista on building an AI branding council from one master prompt.
Listen now →Episode 67
Claude Cowork: Complete Beginner Setup & First Steps
A full walkthrough of Claude Cowork — connecting AI to your local files, email, and Drive — for trades owners and operators.
Listen now →
Episode 66
Your Website Site Is an ADA Lawsuit Waiting to Happen
With Jennifer Bagley
AI-powered attorneys are now filing automated ADA lawsuits, and the average settlement costs $52,000. Is your website exposed? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades…
Listen now →Episode 65
Why Angie Is Dying & What Smart Contractors Are Doing Instead
With Brett Taylor, Louis Vierra
Brett Taylor and Louis Vierra on why lead aggregators are failing and how contractors win jobs without burning budget.
Listen now →
Episode 64
Last Chance to Register | The Trades Event That Builds Your $10M+ Plan | May 5-7
With Dana Staszkiewicz
Last Chance to Register | Climb to $10M+ | May 5-7 | Houston, Texas Are you a trades business owner stuck under $10M? This is the event that changes that. Join host Jenn…
Listen now →
Episode 63
Climb to $10M: Inside the Workshop Event That Will Transform Your Business
With Chuck Staszkiewicz
Sick of conferences that pump you up but don’t move the needle? Jennifer Bagley welcomes guest Chuck Staszkiewicz for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at Climb to $10M—t…
Listen now →
Episode 62
AI, Leadership & Next-Level Growth: Cameron Herold’s Playbook for Contractors
With Cameron Herold
Most contractors are either ignoring AI or getting distracted by flashy tools they don’t actually need. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley talks with Cameron Herold, the o…
Listen now →Episode 61
The $14,000 AI Mistake: Why Most Contractors are Doing AI Wrong
With Utku “Dave” Kaynar
Jennifer Bagley and Dave Kaynar on what contractors must know about AI agents before trusting them with the business.
Listen now →Episode 60
How Small Businesses Should Actually Use ChatGPT
With Caren Glasser, Krista Glasser, Stephanie Allen
Caren Glasser, with Krista and Stephanie, demystifies ChatGPT for HVAC and small business owners.
Listen now →Episode 59
How HVAC Companies Should Actually Use AI
With Caren Glasser
Caren Glasser breaks down how HVAC and home service businesses should actually use AI in 2026 — without the overwhelm.
Listen now →Episode 58
Winning the "AI Game": How Top Contractors Are Pivoting in 2026
With Stephanie Allen
Jennifer Bagley and Stephanie Allen with operators and tech innovators on AI's impact on consumer pricing and transparency.
Listen now →
Episode 57
AI-First Growth for the Trades: Builder Market with Louis Vierra and Brett Taylor
With Louis Vierra
Most contractors know the feeling: you pay for leads that five other companies get, you chase calls late, and your software stack keeps growing—but not your margins.
Listen now →Episode 56
Why Contractors are Quitting Angi for This AI "Marketplace"
With Brett Taylor, Louis Vierra
Brett Taylor and Louis Vierra of The Builder Market on disrupting traditional lead generation with an AI-first platform.
Listen now →Episode 55
How Top Contractors Are Already Winning With AI Automation
With Stephanie Allen, Utku “Dave” Kaynar, Paul Redman, Ben Phillips
Stephanie Allen, Dave Kaynar, Paul Redman, and Ben Phillips on AI agents, automation, and how contractors must evolve.
Listen now →Episode 54
What Contractors Must Do as Google Shifts to AI-Driven Search
With Chelsea Nodine, Kevin Lesage, Utku “Dave” Kaynar, Stephanie Allen
A roundtable on AI-driven search and digital marketing with Chelsea Nodine, Kevin Lesage, Dave Kaynar, and Stephanie Allen.
Listen now →
Episode 53
Women in Charge: How AI and Automation Are Powering Home Service Growth
With Stephanie Allen
How do women in the trades go from underfunded marketing and clunky tech to dominating their local markets with AI and automation? In this episode of Catalyst for the Tr…
Listen now →
Episode 52
From HVAC Technician to Tech-Savvy CEO: Robert Leath on Building a Future-Ready Trades Business with AI
With Robert Leath
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley is joined by Robert Leath, founder of a thriving HVAC business, and his dedicated account executive, Vee Nett…
Listen now →
Episode 51
What It Really Takes to Be a Woman in Business | Honest Leadership in the Trades with Kathryn Elizabeth & Laura Kelly
With Laura Kelly
What does authentic leadership actually look like for women in the trades? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with Laura Kelly an…
Listen now →Episode 50
Most Contractors Aren't Ready for This
With Darren Dixon, Stephanie Allen
Darren Dixon, Jennifer Bagley, and Stephanie Allen on disruption, AI, consumer behavior, and where home services is heading.
Listen now →
Episode 49
Gregg Schonhorn on Maximizing Business Value in the Trades: Preparing to Sell, AI, and Building for the Future
With Gregg Schonhorn
How do you build a home service business that thrives today and is ready for a profitable exit tomorrow? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Gregg Schonhorn of S…
Listen now →
Episode 48
Contractor Accounting Made Simple with Meaghan Likes of Likes Accounting
With Meaghan Likes
CPA Meaghan Likes, founder of Likes Accounting, shares proven tips to help contractors clean up their books, simplify ServiceTitan integration, and gain financial clarit…
Listen now →
Episode 47
AI, Agents & The Future of Marketing: Remy Skerjanz’s Playbook for Outbound Success
With Remy Skerjanz
AI is already transforming how businesses connect and grow. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Remy Skerjanz, co-founder of Sales Blaster AI, for an inside …
Listen now →
Episode 46
Next-Level Septic Business: How Courtney Van Delden Supplee Uses AI, Automation & Data to Scale Van Delden Wastewater Systems
With Courtney Van Delden Supplee
Running a successful septic company for 88 years takes more than experience — it takes innovation. In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley and s…
Listen now →
Episode 45
Command the Room & Grow Your Business: Casey Eberhart’s Blueprint for Trade Success
With Casey Eberhart
Ready to future-proof your trade business and increase its value? In this high-impact episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with revenue strategi…
Listen now →
Episode 44
Reinventing SEO & Web Strategy: AI Transformation with Seth Humble
With Seth Humble
AI is rewriting the rules of SEO and digital marketing. In this episode, Jennifer Bagley talks with Seth Humble about how AI search is transforming how home service busi…
Listen now →
Episode 43
Branding That Works: Crystal Williams on Contractor Growth, Strategy & Accountability
With Crystal Williams
Crystal shares battle-tested insights on branding, marketing strategy, personal accountability, and the crucial role of collaboration between contractors and their vendo…
Listen now →
Episode 42
Beyond Products: Denise Corbin’s Winsupply HVAC Summit Empowers Contractors in Austin
With Denise Corbin
Ready to break away from business as usual and spark success in a challenging market? In this episode, Denise Corbin—president of Winsupply—joins Jazmin Ramirez, guest h…
Listen now →
Episode 41
Jazmin Ramirez: AI Marketing Strategies and Growth Insights for Contractors
With Jazmin Ramirez
What does it take to lead and grow in a fast-changing trades industry? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley interviews Jazmin Ramirez, Senior Dire…
Listen now →
Episode 40
Victoria Schaefer Talks TACCA Live: Texas HVAC Conference, Contractor Growth & Future of the Trades
With Victoria Schaefer
Get an insider’s look at Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) and the upcoming TACCA Live HVAC industry event in Conroe, Texas. Camille Porco, our stan…
Listen now →
Episode 39
From Zero to $22 Million: Vince Heuser’s Blueprint for Explosive Home Service Growth
With Vince Heuser
What does it really take to break free from flat growth and scale your contracting business into the millions? In this inspiring episode, Vince Heuser shares the raw jou…
Listen now →
Episode 38
CRM Success in the Trades: Celia Church’s Guide to Data, Implementation, and Next-Level Growth
With Celia Church
Thinking about switching CRM platforms or struggling to get the most out of your current system? In this must-listen episode, CRM and Service Titan consultant Celia Chur…
Listen now →
Episode 37
Smart Accounting Moves: Devin Nordgran’s Financial Strategies for Contractors
With Devin Nordgran
Know your numbers and make them work for you. In this must-hear episode, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Devin Nordgran, Tax Associate at Squire, to unpack real-world fin…
Listen now →
Episode 36
Transforming Digital Marketing with AI: Chelsea Nodine’s Blueprint for Smarter Systems
With Chelsea Nodine
Is AI the future of digital marketing, or just another buzzword? In this episode, Chelsea Nodine—Senior Director of Digital Transformation at CI Web Group—shares the rea…
Listen now →
Episode 35
Level Up Your Business: Billy Gregus on AI, Marketing, and Making Partnerships Work
With Billy Gregus
Ready to future-proof your contracting business? In this power-packed episode, Billy Gregus—owner of Integrity Refrigeration & A/C—joins Jennifer Bagley and special …
Listen now →
Episode 34
Trailblazing the HVAC Industry: Brittany Doering on Community, Growth, and Conference Success
With Brittany Doering
Ready to level up your HVAC business and network with the best in Texas? In this jam-packed episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with Britt…
Listen now →
Episode 33
Level Up Your Roofing Business: Joel Viera on Tech, Talent & the Western Roofing Expo
With Joel Viera
What’s really shaping the future of roofing in 2025 & 2026? In this episode, Joel Viera of the Western States Roofing Contractors Association joins host Jennifer Bag…
Listen now →
Episode 32
Mike Disney on Building Trust, Recruiting Top Talent & Winning in the Trades
With Mike Disney
What does it really take to scale a successful HVAC, plumbing, or electrical business today? In this episode, industry expert Mike Disney shares the hard truths and powe…
Listen now →
Episode 31
How AI Is Transforming Call Handling: Brad Scruggs on the Future of Home Service Communication
With Brad Scruggs
Missed calls are costing contractors serious money, but AI is changing the game. In this episode, Brad Scruggs, President & CMO of ZyraTalk, sits down with Jennifer …
Listen now →
Episode 30
Building Predictable Freedom: Mike Abramowitz on Systems, Scaling & Founders’ Mindset in the Trades
With Mike Abramowitz
What does it really take to build a trades business that runs without you—and gives your family the freedom you dreamed of? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, h…
Listen now →
Episode 29
Unlocking Efficiency: AI Lead Management & Automation
With Utku “Dave” Kaynar
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley welcomes Utku “Dave” Kaynar, CEO of OnePath, to take you deep inside the future of automation, lead mana…
Listen now →
Episode 28
Smart Decisions, Big Impact: Teasha Cable’s AI Strategies for Better Business
With Teasha Cable
Ready to level up your decision-making and accelerate growth? In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with Teasha Cable—tech visionary…
Listen now →Episode 27
Why Your Business Won't Survive Without AI
With Utku “Dave” Kaynar
Jennifer Bagley welcomes Utku "Dave" Kaynar, CEO of OnePath, on automation, lead management, and true profitability for the trades.
Listen now →
Episode 26
AI-Driven Success for Contractors: Lynn Wise’s Blueprint for the Future
With Lynn Wise
Ready to future-proof your contracting business? AI is transforming everything from lead conversion to customer service and financial management in the trades. In this e…
Listen now →
Episode 25
No Excuses, Just Results: Stephanie Allen’s Real-World Guide to AI, Leadership, and Rapid Growth in the Trades
With Stephanie Allen
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, we sit down with Stephanie Allen, CEO of Airworks Solutions, to talk about what it takes to lead and thrive in today’s fast-c…
Listen now →
Episode 24
From Tech to Titan: Jason Walker’s Playbook for Outshining Giants in HVAC
With Jason Walker
What does it really take to thrive as a new HVAC business in a crowded market? Jason Walker, founder of HVAC Masters of the Hustle, pulls back the curtain on his own jou…
Listen now →
Episode 23
From Gym Floors to HVAC Superstar: Tyler Dixon’s Leap Into Trades Sales
With Tyler Dixon
Ready for a real-world success story that proves the trades are wide open for ambitious go-getters? On this episode of Catalyst, hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkie…
Listen now →
Episode 22
Future-Proofing Contracting: Paul Redman on Tech, AI, and the New Customer Experience
With Paul Redman
Is your contracting business ready for the next wave of technology? In this forward-thinking episode, Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz sit down with Paul Redman, C…
Listen now →
Episode 21
Relentless Growth: Sam Wakefield’s Sales Transformation & Follow-Up Tactics for the Trades
With Sam Wakefield
Motivation means nothing if you can’t execute. In this episode, Sam Wakefield, creator of Close It Now and catalyst of transformative sales events like “Relentless: The …
Listen now →
Episode 20
40 Years in the Trades: Raul Rodriguez on Building People-Centered, Resilient Service Companies
With Raul Rodriguez
What does it take to build a thriving, people-first business in the home services industry—and keep it growing for nearly 40 years?
Listen now →
Episode 19
From Retail to Trades: Dana Staszkiewicz on Business Growth, Process, and Women in Leadership
With Dana Staszkiewicz
What does it take to scale a family-owned trades business from $12M to $20M in just three years? In this episode, Dana Staszkiewicz, co-founder of Opus and Gold, joins h…
Listen now →
Episode 18
The Power of Choice: Why Menu Pricing Changes Everything with Danielle Putnam
With Danielle Putnam
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Danielle Putnam, President of The New Flat Rate, to talk strategy, pricing, and how contractor…
Listen now →
Episode 17
Stand Out Online: Jen McKee’s Social Media Tips for Contractors
With Jen McKee
Social media doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or a waste of time. In this episode, Jen McKee, founder of Kee Hart Marketing, shares what actually works for contractors tr…
Listen now →
Episode 16
Fast-to-Cash Products and Smarter Sales with Karen Sager
With Karen Sager
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, co-host Chuck Staszkiewicz sits down with Karen Sager, President of Micro Mesh Gutter Guards, to talk about product innovatio…
Listen now →
Episode 15
From the Call Center to the C-Suite: Denise Swafford's Journey of Scaling Success in the Trades
With Denise Swafford
Join us for an inspiring episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, featuring Denise Swafford, Chief Commercial Officer at P1 Service Group. Denise shares her incredible ca…
Listen now →
Episode 14
How a Navy Veteran Created One of New Jersey's Trusted Plumbing Brands
With Ray Reyes
Join us on this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades as we sit down with Ray Reyes, a former Navy veteran turned successful plumbing entrepreneur. Ray shares his inspi…
Listen now →Episode 13
Building Your Business with an Exit in Mind: Strategic Insights for Home Service Entrepreneurs
With Jennifer Bagley
In this episode of "Catalyst for the Trades," hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz dive deep into the strategic planning necessary for building a home service bu…
Listen now →
Episode 12
Navigating Industry Transformation: AI, Consumer Trends, and Strategic Business Models
With Darren Dixon
Join host Jennifer Bagley, CEO of CI Web Group, and her guests, Darren Dixon, CEO and founder of fyxify, and George Donaldson, CEO of Fix-It Group, as they discuss the t…
Listen now →
Episode 11
Unleashing Success: Trey McWilliams on Mastering Growth and Leadership in Home Services
With Trey McWilliams
Join Jennifer Bagley as she hosts Trey McWilliams, CEO of McWilliams & Sons and founder of Blue Cardinal Home Services Group, in this enlightening episode of "Catalyst f…
Listen now →
Episode 10
Mastering the Trades: Mark Evans on Building Wealth, Legacy, and Financial Freedom
With Mark Evans
In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz sit down with Mark Evans, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and wealth-building…
Listen now →
Episode 9
Building a $100M Business: George Donaldson on Scaling, Leadership, Exit Strategies in Home Services
With George Donaldson
In this episode of "Catalyst for the Trades," hosts Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz are joined by George Donaldson, a leading figure in the home services industry…
Listen now →
Episode 8
Adapting to Consumer Behavior: Leveraging AI and Digital Tools in the Trades
With Josh Koplin
In this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley sits down with Josh Koplin, co-founder of Eden, to explore the evolving landscape of consumer behavior in…
Listen now →
Episode 7
From Comedy to AI How Sebastian Jimenez is Revolutionizing Sales in the Trades
With Sebastian Jimenez
In this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, we engage in an enlightening conversation with Sebastian Jimenez, CEO of Rilla. Drawing striking parallels between tech e…
Listen now →
Episode 6
WOW Every Call: The Key to Customer Experience Excellence
With Brigham Dickinson
What does it take to turn your customer service team into a powerhouse for growth? In this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades podcast, Brigham Dickinson, founder and…
Listen now →
Episode 5
Igniting Sales Success: Devon Murphy on Reclaiming Lost Opportunities
With Devon Murphy
In this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, we sit down with Devon Murphy, co-owner of Reignite Sales Solutions, to explore how businesses can unlock untapped potent…
Listen now →
Episode 4
From Chaos to Clarity: How EOS Transforms Your Business
With Dwight Miller
In this insightful episode of The Catalyst for the Trades Podcast, host Jennifer Bagley sits down with guest Dwight Miller to dive deep into transformative strategies fo…
Listen now →
Episode 3
Embracing Change: The Future of Leadership
With Mary Belden-McGrath and Eric McGrath
In this episode, Jennifer Bagley, Mary Belden-McGrath, and Eric McGrath discuss the transformative power of leadership training and the importance of adapting to change …
Listen now →
Episode 2
Maximizing Deductions & Motivations: Year-End Tax Strategies and Team Engagement
With Erik Flegal
In this episode of The Catalyst for the Trades, host Chuck Staszkiewicz sits down with Erik Flegal, founder and CEO of Family Fortune Financial, to tackle some of the mo…
Listen now → Episode 1
Redefining the Game: The Future of Home Services
With Darren Dixon
In this kickoff episode of Catalyst for the Trades, with Jennifer Bagley, Chuck Staszkiewicz and Crystal Williams, we're joined by our guest Darren Dixon, CEO and founde…
Listen now →Turn podcast ideas into action for your trades business
Explore the Trades Business Learning Center for written playbooks, browse the operator insights blog, or discuss nationwide trades business consulting with the Catalyst team.